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Abstract

Dilemma of increasing heavy metal pollution in soil due to rapidly expanding industrial areas, mine tailings, disposal of high metal wastes and other human activities, has become crucial to resolve. Among trace metals, lead (Pb) is a highly toxic pollutant as is perilous to environment, human and animals health. This study indicates comparative analysis on the potential of biomass production and accumulation of lead in maiz, sorghum and sesbania grow in contaminated soil. The aim of this investigation is to compare and evaluate the lead accumulation in different part of high biomass producing plants to check the phytoremediation capabilities of these plants and the impact of lead accumulation on their growth, performance and capacity to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil under identical environmental strategies. Pot experiments were performed with different content ratios of lead for four months and different parameters such as height, dry biomass and concentration of heavy metals in roots, shoots and leaves was measured. The samples were analyzed by AAS to evaluate the phytoremediation capabilities of these species. Results concluded that maize and sorghum showed rapid growth as lead concentration increased (15 ppm > 10 ppm > 5 PPM > controlled) of experimental treatments. Even cobs grew first in these plants which were treated with 15 ppm solution. On the other hand, sesbania did not show such change in growth. All the three species showed sufficient accumulation of lead in roots. These results indicates that high biomass producing crops can perform dual function as to assist in phytoremediation of heavy metals from the contaminated soil and then afterward can also act as promising biofuel that is economically constructive.

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